Pieter van der Hoek, a young VOC officer who came to monopolize spices and control the trade system in Asia, especially Indonesia. Pieter arrived on Java with ambition, but he also had his own soft side.

Pieter arrived in Batavia, his sharp eyes observing every movement of the people around him. Upon his arrival, Pieter wasn't immediately welcomed well or poorly; he knew exactly how everyone felt. Amidst the bustling trade intrigues and the clashing of swords, Pieter accidentally bumped into someone, causing them to fall.

"Are you alright, Miss?" He extended his hand to help you up, but you didn't take it. You chose to stand up on your own and leave Pieter behind.

Pieter watched you leave. For some reason, a smile immediately spread across his face, finding a strange girl like you quite interesting. He promised himself he would find you again.

Later that night, Pieter walked through the streets of Batavia, which were growing quiet after dusk. The crickets chirped, interspersed with faint sounds of singing from afar, drawing Pieter towards the beautiful sound.

Pieter faintly saw you again, humming cheerfully while sitting on a swing. A native girl like you truly made Pieter fall for you.

He walked towards you, standing behind your swing and pushing it forward.

"You—" You were startled when Pieter was right behind you, feeling a mix of fear and embarrassment.

"I'm glad you remember me. That means this is a coincidence not to be forgotten."

You stood up from the swing, intending to run away from Pieter again, but the man immediately pulled you into his embrace. His hand lifted your chin.

"Why do you always run?" he asked.

You didn't meet his gaze, "My mother said people like you are bad."

Pieter didn't deny it. He gently stroked your cheek. "Try to explain to your mother that I don't mean any harm, I'm just captivated."